switch, Vol. 10

Switch #10

by Otoh Saki, Naked Ape

Kai Eto may look like a squeaky clean kid, but the Greater Kanto Narcotics Control Division's new investigator hides a violent alter ego and a dangerous past. Together with his stoic partner Hal Kurabayashi, Kai is assigned to track down and stop the distribution of a dangerous new drug--Dragon Speed.

When Hal comes under suspicion in the death of a girl, his reputation and his sanity both begin to crack. His partners discover that Hal may also have a past connection to the drug Switch. Now the NCD has to decide whether Hal is one of them or a traitor in their midst.

Genres: Manga, Comics Manga, Shonen

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2006

About the author

Associated Names:
AIKAWA Lira
LIRA Kotone
SAKI Roka

Part of the mangaka group Naked Ape.

Along with her Naked Ape partner NAKAMURA Tomomi, the two frequently release doujinshis as part of the Acute Girls doujinshi circle.

Additionally, often works with the mangaka YAMAMOTO Kana, as part of the doujinshi circle Negahyst.

Reviews

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hal and Kai continue their investigation into the murder case Hal’s been accused of, only to walk into peril and painful memories. Lucky for them, Narita and Section 2 are keeping an eye on them, ready to back the two agents up. Both Hal and Kai need all the help they can get, in dealing with the perpetrators and their own inner demons.

This volume focused much more on Hal, Hal’s childhood, and the reason he wears glasses. The plot involved Hal reliving the events right before the murder, using flashbacks, weaving in and out of Hal’s memories of the victim and the tragedies in his youth. Not that Kai didn’t get plenty of time and trouble, which tested and deepened his bond with Hal. Hiki showed just how cunning and ruthless he could be, revealing some of his scheming side to Narita. Narita got more development, displaying hints of a more vulnerable side. Those wearing the Ryugan tattoo had a bit a twist to their motivations, which was both a let down and interesting at the same time.

For another fast moving story which gave the characters additional levels of depth, delivered in sensuously beautiful, yet dark art style, this gets four stars.

[ReadingFrog · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kai gets better and better at being his normal self then that idiot Hal goes and gets shot saving Kai. This sets Kai's Switch into motion and makes him turn killer.